Animal Sciences and Forages Extension Agent Level I/II – Northern Region

Extending knowledge, improving lives! Make an impact in your community and in the lives of Alabamians.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking qualified applications for an Extension Agent (EA) to serve on the Animal Science & Forages Team. Applicants must be self-directed and able to thrive in a flexible work environment.

Reasons you’ll love being an Extension Agent at ACES – Auburn:

• Job Satisfaction! Be a part of life-changing work in your community!
• Excellent full-time benefits that start on Day 1!
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options!
• Work/life balance!
• • 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year.
  • 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually.
  • 7 paid holidays in addition to 2 weeks of paid leave during Christmas/New Years when the University closes.
  • 6 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child (available for BOTH moms & dads).
• AU tuition assistance for you and your dependents after a year of service.
• Generous state retirement plan along with other voluntary retirement plan options and benefits.
• Fun, flexible & diverse work environment. Every day is different!
• Supportive leadership & peers. The ACES team supports you and your work!

This Extension assignment will cover parts of the Northern Region of Alabama (counties include Marion, Winston, Cullman, Blount, Lamar, Fayette, and Walker). The Agent will be housed in either Cullman or Fayette county.

• The EA will participate as a cohesive member of the Animal Science and Forages Extension. This will include organizing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for livestock, equine, and forage production. Programming should focus on research-based management practices and their environmental and animal well-being impacts. The EA will use multiple educational delivery methods to disseminate information to clientele including, but not limited to: printed communication, workshops/group meetings, applied research and demonstration projects on farms or using Auburn University research farms, farm consultation visits, social media and web resources.
• The EA will participate in writing grants and in activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele. The EA will assist the team leader and administrators in project outcome and impact evaluations.
• The EA is expected to be an integral part of the Animal Science and Forages team and assist in developing and implementing new programs as needed to meet producer needs and challenges. The EA will join a highly motivated team of agents and specialists with several existing programs including, but not limited to Alabama Forage Focus, Beef and Pork Quality Assurance, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and Value-Added marketing programming. The EA may also provide expertise to support 4-H livestock and equine programming.
• The candidate will work with local clientele, advisory groups, commodity organizations, and other interested parties to determine program needs in the region. As a team member, the EA will partner with Animal Science and Forages (ASF) team members and the region’s County Extension Director’s (CED’s) to plan, implement, and evaluate animal science and forages educational programs conducted in the region. Participating in regional and state discipline-related associations, and other stakeholder groups, is important for the EA to develop a reputation as an educational leader with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

A Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agronomy or related field and applicable previous work experience in field of study.

Level 1: Bachelor’s degree and 0 years of experience.
Level 2: Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience or Master’s degree and 2 years of experience.

Focus of Education: Discipline related to extension programming.

Focus of Experience: Experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs in a relevant discipline, including formal and/or informal teaching methods.

Desired Qualifications:

Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

*Salary will be commensurate with relevant, professional work experience.

This position involves regular travel to fulfill Extension responsibilities, and access to reliable transportation is essential.

• Applicants must demonstrate educational leadership in the application of knowledge, be grounded in research-based science, and have the ability to help livestock and forage producers prosper.
• They must have strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work with and to deliver educational programming and counseling to audiences from a variety of educational, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• They must have demonstrated experience within designated area of emphasis.
• This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities.
• Successful applicants must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to respectfully self-motivate their daily priorities.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!